Following Kane Lambert’s retirement announcement early this week, Richmond Media conducted an interview with the triple Tiger premiership hero. Here are Lambert’s thoughts on the decision to hang up the boots and a range of other topics relating to his time at Tigerland . . .
Explaining his retirement decision to the playing group
“It was nice to finally stand up in front of them and be a little bit truthful about the condition my body’s in at the moment. It’s been an on-going thing this year. I was fortunate enough to come back in the early parts of the year and play a little bit of VFL and some senior games. But, with the hip, there’s other issues that started to crop up with my Achilles and my calves and, unfortunately, I’m not at the level where I feel comfortable enough to perform at AFL level. I think it’s the right thing to do to allow some continuity in the team and offer all my advice in an off-field perspective.”
How hard the injury hit
“It has taken a pretty large toll, probably more an emotional toll, in order to play. The hardest challenge was the effect that it’s had on my day-to-day lifestyle – just simple tasks like getting in and out of cars or putting shoes on and socks on.”
Thanks to the Tigers
“I just wanted to play one game of AFL . . . I just wanted an opportunity, to be honest. And, when Richmond gave me that, I was so grateful.”
Constantly striving to improve
“For me, it was always about the process of getting better, and that’s where I felt like I had most to offer. In this game, a lot of it’s a means to an end. And, we think the end, in premierships, is where all your satisfaction and fulfilment and happiness lies. But it’s in the doing, it’s in the means, and that’s what I love. Just rolling up to training and getting that half a percent better, each time you went out there.”
The valuable change of mindset
“When you get knocked back and told you’re not good enough for so long, it’s hard not to believe that. But learning how to use your thoughts in a helpful manner made me feel like I could play at AFL level . . . The coaching staff are really good at making players feel valued, that they contribute and feel like they’ve got a role there and it’s important to the team.”
Terrific Tiger teammates
“’Broady’ (Nathan Broad) was one who was really important to me about the really close bonds. I’m sure we’ll be mates for a long time. ‘Shorty’ (Jayden Short) was the other one. The amount of time we spent living together, and we taught each other a lot about life and football. I’ve been so fortunate. You don’t get to this position without really good people in your life.”
Importance of family
“I think family are probably the first ones that miss out a bit when you’re in this industry. It becomes really consuming and you can get quite selfish. But they’ve been a constant support and really grounding for me. It was always a safe place to go home and see my family . . . They knew me for who I was, and it didn’t bother them how I played on the weekend. They support me, whatever game it is as well, whether I was playing VFL or AFL. It didn’t matter. They were always there for me.”
His legacy at the Club
“I just hope that anyone who’s had an experience with me, they’ve had a positive one and they felt that I always gave them time. Hopefully, there’s something of value I might have added into their own lives that they can take away. But the pleasure’s been all mine at this footy club, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
